Tennessee(TN)

Tennessee is adopting a "three-dimensional" transportation strategy that bridges surface, air, and digital networks. Led by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the state is prioritizing the use of AAM to close transportation gaps in underserved markets and enhance public safety through advanced drone integration. +1

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Tennessee’s strategy is formalized in the 2025 Statewide Policy Plan Update, which extends its planning horizon to 2055 and for the first time treats AAM as a core infrastructure element.

• Aeronautics System Plan: TDOT Aeronautics is currently conducting a site-readiness study to identify where vertiports and "drone hubs" can be most effectively deployed within the "Tennessee Triangle" (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville).
• Research-Driven Design: The state has partnered with Vanderbilt University to develop data-driven deployment standards, ensuring that vertiport siting is both ambitious and practical for community noise and safety concerns.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Tennessee is a leader in the "Drones as First Responder" (DFR) model, which serves as a precursor to larger-scale AAM operations.

• DFR Scaling: In early 2026, Tennessee is scaling its BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) workflows for public safety agencies, pairing domestic hardware with advanced flight-tracking software to standardize emergency aerial response.
• Rural and "Thin-Haul" Logistics: A 2026 pilot program is exploring the use of eVTOLs for cargo delivery in underserved rural markets, testing the economic viability of "thin-haul" operations that connect rural production centers to major logistics hubs in Memphis.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• TDOT 2025 Policy Plan Update: tn.gov/tdot/2025-Policy-Plan
• Tennessee Drone & AAM Symposium Insights: dronelife.com/TN-AAM-2025